Originally Posted by
craigthemif
So a "cheaper or better" with no status is preferable to just staying at a Marriott as a Platinum?
Obviously. Pick the best hotel where you want to stay. Or pick the cheapest one. Either is a fine option. I sure wouldn't stay at a Marriott as a Platinum unless it was either the best hotel or the best value for a given trip.
Cheaper or better is, by definition, better!
Then just be a free agent and skip the whole credit card, status merry-go-round that only plays into the hands of the big chains / banks.
Best advice you will read today!